The Best National Parks To Visit In October

Fall is one of the best times to visit National Parks. In fact, most of my recent trips have been in September or October! I love this time of year because there are far fewer crowds, parking isn’t such a hassle, and the weather is more ideal for hiking.

Additionally, most of the vehicle reservation and timed-entry restrictions at parks are only for the busy summer months, so you’ll have one less thing to worry about!

In this article I share the absolute best National Parks to visit in October – and why! I’ve selected each park based on my own experience, the weather, beautiful fall foliage, crowd levels, and hiking trail accessibility.

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East Coast Gems – National Parks To Visit In October

I’ve broken this article into geographical locations to make it easier to digest and plan your next National Parks road trip! Let’s get started with the East Coast.

#1 Acadia National Park

Visiting Acadia National Park in the fall is one of the best times to go! The leaves are bursting with color, the air is crisp, and the weather is perfect for hiking. Plus, Acadia is very dog friendly, so it’s a great opportunity to bring your best friend along a road trip through New England.

Reasons To Visit Acadia National Park In October: Vibrant fall foliage, Cadillac Mountain sunrise, less crowded hiking trails.

Best Things To Do: Hike Jordan Pond Path, drive Park Loop Road, explore Bar Harbor.

Weather: Average highs 55° / Average lows 38°. There are about 9 rainy days in October.

Location: Maine

How Many Days Do You Need?: Acadia National Park is a fairly large park, but you can easily see the highlights in 2-3 days. I also recommend spending a day exploring Bar Harbor, which is right next door.

#2 Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah is one of the best National Parks to visit in October – the fall foliage is epic in this park, and it’s easy to explore even for non-hikers because of its famous scenic drive – Skyline Drive.

Because of its elevation, Shenandoah tends to hit peak foliage earlier than the rest of the southeast.

Reasons To Visit Shenandoah National Park In October: Skyline Drive, panoramic vistas, over 500 miles of trails.

Best Things To Do: Drive Skyline Drive, hike Old Rag Mountain, visit Dark Hollow Falls.

Weather: Average highs 58° / Average lows 39°. There are about 6 rainy days in October.

Location: Virginia

How Many Days Do You Need?: It’s possible to see the highlights in Shenandoah National Park in October in 1-2 days. At minimum, it’s worth driving Skyline Drive to see the fall foliage and take a short hike for the view of the rolling mountains. I recommend Hightop Peak Trail, which is just over 3 miles and just under 1,000 feet of elevation gain. The views from the summit are spectacular.

Midwest Wonders – National Parks To Visit In October

Next up on the list of the best National Parks to visit in October are the midwest parks! The two parks on this list are less popular parks, but don’t let that deter you! They’re fantastic parks to explore in the fall, especially for leaf peeping.

#3 Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a hidden gem in the national park system, located between the cities of Cleveland and Akron in northeastern Ohio.

The Cuyahoga River, which runs through the park, is its centerpiece, offering beautiful views and a variety stunning waterfalls, with Brandywine Falls being the most famous—a 65-foot cascade surrounded by boardwalks and viewing platforms.

Reasons To Visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park In October: Waterfalls, scenic railroad tours, historic landmarks.

Best Things To Do: Hike Ledges Trail & Brandywine Falls, bike the Towpath Trail or ride the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.

Weather: Average highs 63° / Average lows 50°. There are about 9 rainy days in October.

Location: Ohio

How Many Days Do You Need?: 1-2 days is plenty to see Cuyahoga Valley National Park in October, but if you’re short on time it’s also possible to see the highlights in half a day.

#4 Isle Royale National Park

Isle Royale National Park is one of the most remote national parks, located in the northwest corner of Lake Superior. It encompasses a large island (Isle Royale) and over 400 smaller islands, as well as the surrounding waters.

Due to its remoteness its the least visited national park in the contiguous U.S., primarily because of the fact that it can only be accessed by boat or seaplane. October is the last opportunity to visit this park because it’s closed annually from November 1 to April 15.

Reasons To Visit Isle Royale National Park In October: Remote wilderness, vibrant colors, unique wildlife like moose and wolves.

Best Things To Do: Canoeing, backcountry camping, hiking the Greenstone Ridge Trail.

Weather: Average highs 48° / Average lows 38°. There are about 7 rainy days in October.

Location: Michigan

How Many Days Do You Need?: If you only have one day in Isle Royale National Park you’ll have enough time to see the highlights. However, most visitors spend 4 days in the park to fully experience it’s beauty.

Southern Beauties – National Parks To Visit In October

There’s one primary reason these Southern National Parks are best visited in October… they aren’t so scorching hot as they are during the summer!

#5 Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of my all-time favorites. It’s the most visited National Park in the United States with about 13 million visitors per year! Which makes sense, because it’s massive (spanning two states) and has free admission.

Reasons To Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park In October: Unparalleled fall colors, diverse wildlife, cooler temperatures.

Best Things To Do: Scenic drives on Newfound Gap Road, Cades Cove loop, hiking to Alum Cave Bluffs.

Weather: Average highs 63° / Average lows 36°.

Location: Tennessee/North Carolina

How Many Days Do You Need?: I recommend 4 days in Great Smoky Mountains National Park to fully explore the park. While it’s possible to see the park in fewer days, be prepared for lots of driving time given the size of the park.

#6 Big Bend National Park

Big Bend is located in southwest Texas along the U.S.-Mexico border. It’s over 800,000 acres and is one of the most remote and least visited national parks in the continental United States. The park is famous for its dramatic canyons, mountain ranges, and the winding Rio Grande River, which forms a natural boundary with Mexico.

There are several scenic drives, like the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, offer breathtaking views of the park, with numerous stops for short hikes, viewpoints, and historic sites.

Reasons To Visit Big Bend National Park In October: Desert landscapes, Rio Grande, cooler October temperatures.

Best Things To Do: Stargazing, hiking Santa Elena Canyon, scenic drives.

Weather: Average highs 75° / Average lows 55°. There are about 3 rainy days in October.

Location: Texas

How Many Days Do You Need?: 3 days in Big Bend is the perfect amount of time to fully explore the park. However, if you’re on an abbreviated trip it’s also possible to condense the highlights into one day in the park.

Western Icons – National Parks To Visit In October

My top 2 best National Parks to visit in October in the West are boiling in the summer. They also have timed-entry or shuttle restrictions during the peak season, so coming in the fall is ideal for both Zion and Arches National Park.

#7 Zion National Park

October is hands-down the best time to visit Zion National Park. I’ve been during July and October, and there’s no doubt in my mind July is just not worth it. It’s uncomfortably hot and the crowds are stressful.

Additionally, Zion operates a shuttle bus from late May to the beginning of December. While the shuttle is in season no personal vehicles are allowed on the main road in the park. That’s ok, because it’s a nice path to bike or to take the shuttle (when it’s less busy and you don’t have to wait in line for hours). If your trip to Zion is in December, you’ll be able to access the entire park with your own vehicle (excepting the week of Christmas).

Reasons To Visit Zion National Park In October: Dramatic cliffs, cooler weather, stunning fall colors.

Best Things To Do: Hike Angels Landing, explore The Narrows, drive Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.

Weather: Average highs 66° / Average lows 39°.

Location: Utah

How Many Days Do You Need?: 2 days in Zion National Park is the perfect amount of time to see the best parts of the park. I recommend planning ahead so you can secure permits to hike Angels Landing. Otherwise, The Narrows has no permit restrictions and is also a great option.

#8 Arches National Park

Arches National Park in October has the perfect weather. Additionally, Arches has a timed-entry system during the summer, so visiting in the fall is ideal because there are fewer crowds and you can come and go as you please without reservations.

Reasons To Visit Arches National Park In October: Over 2,000 natural stone arches, mild October temperatures, spectacular stargazing.

Best Things To Do: Hike to Delicate Arch, drive the Scenic Drive, explore Devil’s Garden.

Weather: Average highs 72° / Average lows 42°. There are about 3 rainy days in October.

Location: Utah

How Many Days Do You Need?: In my experience, one day in Arches National Park is enough time to see all of the highlights and most of the best hikes – especially if you get an early start for sunrise in Arches.

Pacific Northwest Treasures – National Parks To Visit In October

While the PNW is beautiful to visit during the summer, the views are especially stunning in fall when the leaves change. A nice added bonus is fewer crowds, which means more peaceful hikes and less stress finding a parking space at the (usually) very limited trailhead parking lots.

#9 Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park in the fall is a wonderful experience. You can watch Coho salmon jumping their way upstream to their spawning grounds at Salmon Cascades on the Sol Duc River which is such a unique experience.

October brings more rain (although it’s fairly rainy all year long due to the rain forest and microclimates) so be sure to pack a rain jacket and waterproof gear.

Reasons To Visit Olympic National Park In October: Diverse ecosystems, fall colors in the rainforest, less crowded beaches.

Best Things To Do: Visit Hoh Rain Forest, hike Hurricane Ridge, explore Rialto Beach.

Weather: Average highs 46° / Average lows 34°. There are about 13 rainy days in October.

Location: Washington

How Many Days Do You Need?: Olympic National Park is fairly spread out without any major roads through the park but you can see the best parts of the park with a 2 day Olympic National Park itinerary. I recommend exploring the beaches (Rialto Beach is my favorite) as well as hiking Marymere Falls Trail.

#10 Mount Rainier National Park

If you visit during the summer you’ll see wildflowers and baby wildlife, and if you visit Mount Rainier National Park in the fall you’ll be dazzled by brilliant fall foliage and golden Larch and Aspen trees.

Reasons To Visit Mount Rainier National Park In October: Glacier views, colorful larches, less crowded trails.

Best Things To Do: Drive Sunrise Road, hike the Skyline Trail, visit Paradise Visitor Center.

Weather: Average highs 41° / Average lows 27°.

Location: Washington

How Many Days Do You Need?: Three or four days in Mount Rainier National Park in the fall is the perfect amount of time to hike the popular trails and explore most of the park.

Hidden Gems and Unique Choices For National Parks To Visit In October

The last two parks on the list are hidden gems that I couldn’t leave off of the best National Parks to visit in October! They’re beautiful parks to visit at any time of the year, but particularly in fall when the crowds aren’t overwhelming and the weather is perfect for hiking.

#11 Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a fantastic place to visit in the fall. It has the highest peak in Texas – Guadalupe Peak. Or, for vibrant fall colors check out McKittrick Canyon and Smith Spring and Manzanita Spring Loop.

Reasons To Visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park In October: Rugged peaks, vibrant fall colors from maples, remote solitude.

Best Things To Do: Hike McKittrick Canyon, explore Guadalupe Peak.

Weather: Average highs 61° / Average lows 46°.

Location: Texas

How Many Days Do You Need?: At least one day, but ideally two days are perfect for visiting Guadalupe Mountains National Park In October. With this much time you’ll be able to hike several trails and explore the park without being rushed.

#12 Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park is a less popular park… and for no good reason! I love this park. However, it’s often overshadowed by the other Mighty 5 Utah National Parks. Capitol Reef is stunning in October and if you’re lucky you may even be able to harvest apples from the orchards!

Reasons To Visit Capitol Reef National Park In October: Red rock formations, mild October temperatures, lesser-known park status.

Best Things To Do: Drive the Scenic Drive, hike Capitol Gorge, pick fruit in Fruita.

Weather: Average highs 65° / Average lows 41°. There are about 3 rainy days in October.

Location: Utah

How Many Days Do You Need?: I think one day in Capitol Reef is enough to see the highlights, drive the scenic road, explore the orchards and complete a few hikes.

Tips For Visiting National Parks In October

There are a few things to keep in mind when planning a fall visit to any National Park.

Weather considerations

Weather can change quickly during the fall, so be sure to check the forecast ahead of time. Especially in the high desert, temperatures can drop significantly at night (sometimes as much as 40°)

Permits

While most parks do not have timed-entry vehicle reservation requirements in October, many popular hikes may still require permits (ex. Angels Landing in Zion). Generally, you’ll want to plan a few months in advance to secure tickets, but it can also be possible to snag last minute permits 1-2 days in advance.

What To Pack

Read More: Best National Parks To Visit In November